Conjunctions and semicolons


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When to use a semicolon before a conjunction.

Semicolon before And

As covered in the lesson Commas before Conjunctions, when a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or) merges two simple sentences into one, it should be preceded by a comma. However, if one (or both) of the sentences already contains a comma (or commas), then a semicolon can be used instead.

Examples:

In the '60s, there were dozens of buzzards along the 7-mile trek; but, due to the decline in vermin, only 2 adults live in the area at present.

("In the '60s, there were dozens of buzzards along the 7-mile trek." + "Due to the decline in vermin, only 2 adults live in the area at present." These two
sentences both contain commas and are merged into one sentence
using the conjunction "but". In this role, "but" can be preceded by a semicolon.)
(A comma can also be used and is more common.)

Mark, Dawn and Sally adore boiled spare ribs; but Julia, a staunch vegetarian, leaves the room when they are on the menu.

(Semicolon before "but" - a comma can also be used and is more common.)

COMPOUND SENTENCE?

A sentence made up of two simple sentences is called a 'compound sentence'. The conjunction that joins the two halves of a compound sentence should be preceded by a comma or possible a semicolon.